RAJANI BHARDWAJ Vs. DIRECTOR, SECONDARY EDUCATION

JUDGEMENT

(1.) For convenience of exposition, this judgment is divided in the following parts:-

(2.) In the contemporary epoch, the discourse surrounding women's empowerment and gender equality has transcended from mere rhetoric to a dynamic movement that has gained momentum across the globe. Women empowerment, at its core, refers to the process of enabling women to exercise their rights, make autonomous decisions and partake fully in the socio- political, economic and cultural spheres of life. It is a multi-dimensional concept that encompasses the dismantling of structural impediments that stifle women's potential and promotion of policies that enable their holistic growth. The global rise in gender equality reflects a paradigm shift towards recognizing women as equal stakeholders in the pursuit of prosperity, peace and sustainable development.

(3.) In response to these principles, the Indian Constitution, adopted in 1950, enshrines several fundamental rights that aim to protect and promote gender equality. The framers of the Constitution were acutely aware of the historical discrimination faced by women and thus, laid down provisions to ensure their upliftment. A comprehensive reading of Articles 14, 15, 16 and 21 of the Constitution of India clearly indicates that no laws can be created or enforced so as to cause discrimination against women. Though aspirational at the time of their drafting, such laws have paved the way for transformative changes in womens' rights over the decades. The legislature has enacted numerous laws aimed at achieving gender equality, fulfilling both international obligations and constitutional mandates.